We are a charitable trust supporting rangatahi in the Helensville community since 2010.

Our youth workers are skilled at building empowering relationships that strengthen a young person’s sense of identity and value.

We work to strengthen the mana of young people through:

  • mentoring
  • alternative education
  • group workshops
  • goal setting
  • coaching
  • driver licencing
  • community networking
  • events

Video: Feature story – 2min 26sec
We believe every young person is created with intrinsic value, has a place to belong and the right to experience purpose and success.
We practice presence-based youth work meaning we live and work locally, understanding the local context.
We are a faith-based organisation that is committed to working collaboratively with others to empower youth in our community.
Our services foster identity development, social and practical skills, emotional learning and cultural connection.

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Mission Statement

Passionate youth workers supporting local rangatahi to a place of belonging, success, connection and contribution.

Underpinning Our Mahi

Mana Taiohi and Arataiohi Code of Ethics guide our work practice in building empowering relationships with rangatahi; encouraging youth participation; providing helpful information and facilitating positive community connections as young people move toward adulthood.

Ti Tiriti Ō Waitangi is the foundation upon which we work.  We are committed to a journey of learning as treaty partners, acknowledging Tangata Whenua, honouring tikanga and kaupapa Māori principles.  We seek to understand and respect young people within their cultural context, and actively confront discrimination whenever we encounter it.

Outwest Youth Community Trust #CC42749
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Our Team

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Naomi Bartley

Kaitohu – General Manager

I truly love my job. In 2019, I completed a PG Certificate in Professional Supervision and this has significantly shaped how I lead my team. Outside of work, I like the beach, the bush, akoako te reo Māori, and spending time with my whānau.

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Sam Smith

Head Tutor – Alternative Education

I provide an alternative pathway for a small group of students to succeed in their education who would otherwise not engage. My role also includes the development of relationships, wellbeing, personal growth and life skills.

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Rebecca Smith

Youth Worker | Mentor

I work with youth, both in school and out in the community. I work together with them on whatever it is they would like to pursue, learn or get involved with. My favourite thing to do outside of work is anything creative, upcycling, making, gift giving, selling.

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McKenzie Bell

Youth Worker | Youth Coach

I spend my time there engaging and journeying with young people, encouraging and supporting them. When I'm not at work you’ll find me at the beach at the skatepark or adventuring around our beautiful backyard. I have just completed my diploma in Youth work with Praxis New Zealand.

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Mina Lelo

Youth Worker

I am a Mum of two boys and a proud wife. I have always worked alongside children, I studied to become a Primary School teacher and worked with the Ministry of Education supporting children who are Autistic. However, my heart has always been stuck on being able to work alongside our youth and.... here I am!

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Grace Porter

Teacher Aid in ALT ED | Mentor

I work in the Alternative Education class in an environment unlike mainstream schooling. In this relationship based space I am able to be a person who can help navigate different challenges that may come up for the rangatahi here.

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Sam Teutuaa

Youth Worker

I came into this role because I believe I want to be a positive influence in the community. I believe working with youth is a great way to point them towards a positive life towards adulthood. I love being a support person that the youth are looking for.

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Tim Owens

Treasurer

I’m the treasurer and payroll, but I’m also involved with fundraising and keeping the technical side of things running. I’ve long had a desire to encourage youth to seek out more from life, and to support and encourage anyone who is willing to do the same. In my spare time I play trombone and saxophone and work on the family farm.

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Leigh Harland

Operations Administrator

My role here is to work behind the scenes making sure all the dots connect, and keeping all the paperwork in check. I'm passionate about the work Outwest does and the positive impact the trust and its team has in our local community.

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Wan Gatkek

Youth Worker

I'm a lad from Lower Hutt, Wellington who is here to make a difference in the lives of young people. I believe our youth are the leaders of tomorrow and have so much to offer. I'm happy to be part of the team at Outwest Youth.

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Silas Bartley

Driving Instructor

I am a driving instructor at Outwest Youth. I came into this job because teaching people how to drive sounded like a lot of fun. It is an incredible way to see young people accomplish tangible and meaningful things.

Board of Trustees

As a trust, we have a board of trustees elected on 2-year terms who govern our work.
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Johnny Hildreth

Chair | Trustee
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Ray Tulett

Trustee
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Cheryl Dobbe

Trustee
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Felicity Smith

Trustee
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Jordan Hildreth

Trustee